ES2927315T3 - Connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems, orientable connector and associated assembly method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems comprising a receiving block (2) having one or more connection holes (21); at least one orientable connector (3) that has an input and/or output section (31) and a connection end (32); and a fixing plate (4) configured to fix the orientable connector (3) to the receiving block (2). Where the orientable connector (3) comprises a head (33) provided with orientation means (34) arranged between the input and/or output section (31) and the connection end (32); and where the fixing plate (4) comprises complementary orientation means (44) configured to engage with the orientation means (34) of the head (33) to set an orientation position (P3) of the orientable connector (3), the head (33) being arranged between the fixing plate (4) and the receiving block (2). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems, orientable connector and associated assembly method

field of invention

The present invention relates to an adjustable connector for connection devices for vehicle hydraulic systems.

The present invention also refers to a connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems in general, such as; braking systems, damping systems, cooling systems, stability control systems, etc., and more especially for hydraulic distributors or anti-lock wheel system (ABS) control units on motorcycles.

The present invention also refers to an assembly method for the rapid connection of vehicle hydraulic systems associated with said connection device.

Background of the invention

The connection devices for the conduction of fluids in the mentioned hydraulic systems must guarantee the correct supply of the fluid to the different components of the system, supporting at the same time the working pressure and possible overpressures to avoid any type of breakdown or leak that may affect to the proper functioning of the system and/or jeopardize the safety of users.

Generally, these systems comprise a significant number of connections between the different components thereof. For example; between two fluid transport elements (rigid tubes, flexible hoses, etc.), between a transport element and a functional element (hydraulic pump, brake caliper, shock absorber, ABS, etc.), among other connections. Also, as vehicles become increasingly complex, the integration of these systems into them becomes more difficult and complicated. The lack of space, the diversity of elements to be connected, and/or the high number of connections to be made significantly hinder the assembly work of these systems.

The document EP3104056A1 shows a connector for the conduction of fluids that facilitates the connection between the elements of the system during its assembly to the vehicle. Said connector comprises a first connection end configured to be inserted into a second connection end along an axial axis to connect both ends. In turn, the first connection end has a circular groove concentric to the axial axis that forms a first recess, while the second connection end has a connector hole that forms a second recess facing the first recess when both ends are connected. and a retaining member configured to be inserted through the connector hole and lodged between the first recess and the second recess to hold the first connection end to the second connection end when both ends are connected.

Despite the advantages that the connector of the document EP3104056A1 presents, it should be noted that its use is especially intended for connections in which the connection ends are aligned with each other, once connected, without any change of direction or orientation of the same. Thus, the elements to which they are associated do not usually have a predetermined mounting position. For this reason, said connector allows the introduction of the first connection end inside the second connection end in any position and, consequently, a relative rotation movement between both ends, once joined, thanks to the circular groove of the connector. first connection end. Likewise, said aligned connection means that the application of this connector is specially planned for the connection of two ends.

However, in the automotive sector, and especially in the field of motorcycle braking systems, such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), many of the elements associated with them are designed to be mounted on a default position. That is, they only admit a single mounting position, in order not to interfere with other components of the vehicle (such as the frame, chassis, fork, engine, handlebars, wheel, etc.). Therefore, connectors that do not have a single connection position between the connection ends associated with said elements can lead to assembly errors during vehicle assembly, and/or slow down assembly until the operator finds the correct location. correct connection position.

Document ES1203412U refers to a connector for conducting fluids, the configuration of which allows a single insertion position of a first connection end to be set inside a second end, avoiding a subsequent relative rotational movement between the two ends once joined. As a result, vehicle assembly operations are considerably facilitated, assembly times for the elements of said systems are reduced, and the risk of said elements being assembled in the wrong position is eliminated.

Despite the notable advantages that the connector of document ES1203412U presents, it requires the use of as many retention elements as there are connections between two ends. Where each of these retention elements works in collaboration with a specifically machined straight section side notch in each of the first ends, according to the orientation conditions intended for said end once assembled in the vehicle. In addition, the assembly procedure requires that the operator, once the first end has been inserted into the second end, has to find the position of engagement between the retaining element and the lateral notch, rotating said first end until engagement occurs, without more visual aid.

The documents EP0583183A1, US2005/184510A1 and EP3296607A1 refer to other connection devices in different technical fields, also related to avoiding subsequent relative rotational movements between the connection elements once joined.

One object of the present invention is a connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems, which makes it possible to dispense with said retention elements, as well as specific machining for each connector, thanks to the use of an adjustable connector and a fixing plate provided with Orientation means that work with each other, said fixing plate being common for all the orientable connectors that connect with the hydraulic distributor (control unit) and/or with any other element of said system. Where said orientation means are arranged in a visible way for the operator during the assembly, in order to allow a rapid assembly of the same. Where each of said connectors is securely assembled in a specific orientation position, generally unique, designed for said hydraulic system in question, and without the possibility of turning once assembled.

The present invention also refers to an adjustable connector for hydraulic systems and to a connection method associated with said connection device.

Description of the invention

The orientable connector for vehicle hydraulic system connection devices of the present invention is defined by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments thereof are defined by the features of dependent claims 2-3.

The orientable connector for connection devices for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention comprises an input and/or output section and a connection end. Said orientable connector comprises a head provided with orientation means, arranged between the inlet and/or outlet section and the connection end, and configured to establish hydraulic communication between them.

The head can adopt various constructive configurations, for example; in the form of a cube, prismatic (quadrangular, hexagonal, etc.), cylindrical, polyhedral, or combinations thereof, among others.

Although, the head includes:

• a flat bearing face from which the connection end extends perpendicularly; Y

• a flat orientation face, opposite the flat support face, on which the orientation means are located.

Additionally, the head comprises:

• at least one curved or chamfered lateral face arranged between the flat bearing face and the flat orientation face.

The orientation means comprise a projecting element. The projecting element adopts the following constructive configurations:

- a prismatic configuration with a triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal outline; either

- an elliptical configuration; either

- a mixed configuration between a quadrangular prism and a cylinder, with two flat side walls arranged between two curved side walls.

Preferably, the connection end of the orientable connector is arranged substantially perpendicular to the input and/or output section.

According to other particular embodiments, the connection end and the inlet and/or outlet section can be arranged to form an angle greater than 90° and less than 180° with respect to their longitudinal axes, preferably between 90 and 135°.

The connection device of the present invention is defined by the features of claim 4. Preferred embodiments thereof are defined by the features of dependent claims 6-10. The connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention comprises:

• a receiving block that has one or more connection holes;

• at least one adjustable hydraulic connector, which has an input and/or output section, and a connection end configured to be inserted into a connection hole to establish hydraulic communication between the receiving block and the adjustable connector; Y

• a fixing plate configured to fix the orientable connector to the receiving block.

The orientable connector comprises a head provided with orientation means, arranged between the inlet and/or outlet section and the connection end and configured to establish hydraulic communication between them. Likewise, the fixing plate comprises complementary orientation means configured to engage with the orientation means of the head to fix an orientation position of the orientable connector, the head being arranged between the fixation plate and the receiving block.

Thus, the head orientation means, in collaboration with the complementary orientation means of the fixing plate, determine the departure angle or orientation of the orientable connector. Said orientation is preferably unique, that is to say, such that there is only one fit position that allows the connection of the orientable connector to the receiving block. This prevents the connector from being connected to the receiver block incorrectly, that is, in an orientation position that does not correspond to the design, assembly and/or application in question. At the same time, since the operator only has to check that both elements fit together, further checks and/or readjustments are not required, so the assembly procedure is faster.

However, in particular cases, the orientation of the orientable connector can admit a certain number of engagement positions greater than one. For example; admitting some symmetrical positions (eg at 0° and 180°), or admitting several positions according to a specific angle (eg every 90°). In this way, there is also a certain compatibility of the components of the device for a certain number of mounting positions thereof, which likewise make it possible to reduce the risk of incorrect assembly and the connection time.

Once the orientable connector is connected and fixed to the receiving block, the head of said connector is firmly clamped between the fixing plate and the receiving block. This makes it possible to withstand both the hydraulic working pressure and possible overpressures, avoiding any type of breakdown or leak that may affect the proper functioning of the system and/or put the safety of vehicle users at risk.

As the head of the orientable connector is located below the fixing plate, the pressure exerted by the surface of the fixing plate on said head can be better distributed, further favoring the correct fastening of the connector.

The head can adopt various constructive configurations, for example; in the form of a cube, prismatic (quadrangular, hexagonal, etc.), cylindrical, polyhedral, or combinations thereof, among others.

Although, the head includes:

• a flat bearing face from which the connection end extends perpendicularly; Y

• a flat orientation face, opposite the flat support face, on which the orientation means are located.

In this way, the head is trapped between flat surfaces, being able to put more pressure on it. Specifically, the flat surface of the fixing plate presses against the flat surface of the orientation face, while the flat surface of the support face presses against the flat surface of the receiving block in which the connection holes are located.

Additionally, the head comprises:

• at least one curved side face arranged between the flat support face and the flat orientation face.

The presence of one or more curved or chamfered side faces makes it possible to reduce the width and/or size of the head, so that once connected to the receiving block, a greater space is generated between them. The greater the space between the connector heads, the greater number of fixing elements (eg screws, threaded rods, etc.) can be arranged between them to fix the fixing plate to the receiver block.

The orienting means of the orientable connector and the complementary orienting means of the fixing plate can also adopt various constructive embodiments, as long as they can work in collaboration with each other to fix a single orientation position of the orientable connector, or a specific number of positions. same as previously mentioned. Preferably, the orientation means comprise a protruding element, while the complementary orientation means comprise an orientation hole, where the protruding element is configured to fit into the orientation hole in the orientation position of the orientable connector, without allowing the orientation. rotation of said orientable connector once fitted.

The projecting element adopts the following constructive configurations to fit without the possibility of turning in the orientation hole:

- a prismatic configuration with a triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal outline; either

- an elliptical configuration; either

- a mixed configuration between a quadrangular prism and a cylinder, with two flat side walls arranged between two curved side walls.

Other configurations of the projecting element are also a cylindrical configuration (partially circular, etc.), or any contour formed by a combination of straight and curved sections. In any case, the outer contour of the projecting element must partially or totally coincide with the inner contour of the orientation hole.

Preferably, the connection end of the orientable connector is arranged substantially perpendicular to the input and/or output section. This configuration makes it easier for the operator to insert the connection end into the corresponding connection hole of the receiving block, and at the same time, leaves the orientation face of the head free to arrange and/or place the mounting plate on it. fixation.

According to other particular embodiments, the connection end and the inlet and/or outlet section can be arranged forming an angle greater than 90° and less than 180° with respect to their longitudinal axes, preferably between 90 and 135°, in the extent to which the head can also be arranged between the fixing plate and the receiving block, once the orientable connector has been connected and fixed to said receiving block.

The fixing means that allow fixing the fixing plate to the receiving block can adopt different constructive configurations, for example; screws, threaded rods, threaded studs, nuts, pins, clipping elements, etc.

However, for greater simplicity and ease of assembly, preferably, the fixing means comprise the use of one or more fixing screws, which work in collaboration with the fixing plate and the receiving block. To do this, the receiving block comprises one or more threaded holes each configured to allow the threading of a first end of a fixing screw, while the fixing plate comprises one or more through holes each configured to allow passing the first end of a set screw and retaining a second end of said set screw, said second end being the head of the screw.

The device of the present invention can adopt various constructive and/or assembly configurations, which depend on multiple factors, such as; the functional design of the vehicle, the space available for the location of the device, the number of channels of the device, the number of orientable connectors that connect to it, the presence or not of other additional connectors (for example; connectors without orientation), etc.

Preferably, in the case of devices that also have one or more connectors without orientation, the fixing plate comprises at least one opening configured to receive a connector without orientation. Non-orientation connectors are understood as those connectors that do not have a specific orientation position for the design in question, that is, they can be connected to the device in any position. Normally, they are connectors in which their connection end is aligned with the axial axis of the input and/or output section.

Preferably, the receiving block is a control unit of an ABS anti-lock wheel system or a control unit of a stability control system of a vehicle, for example a motorcycle.

The assembly procedure of the connection device of the present invention comprises the steps of: a) inserting the connection end of the orientable connector into a connection hole of the receiver block to establish hydraulic communication between the receiver block and the orientable connector; Y

b) fix the adjustable connector to the receiver block using the fixing plate.

Said procedure is characterized in that stage b) comprises the following stages:

b1) arranging the head of the orientable connector between the fixing plate and the receiving block;

b2) engaging the orientation means of the head with the complementary orientation means of the fixing plate to establish an orientation position of the orientable connector; Y

b3) fix the fixing plate to the receiver block leaving the adjustable connector in the orientation position.

The introduction of the connection end is carried out easily and quickly, since it is carried out prior to the use of the fixing plate. Therefore, the operator finds himself with a receiving block whose connection holes are very accessible, since they are free of other mounting and/or fixing elements that may hinder and/or hinder the introduction of the connection end.

In the same way, when the subsequent fixing of the orientable connector to the receiver block is carried out using the fixing plate, the orientable connectors are already connected to the receiver block, so their heads are also free of other elements that make it difficult to place the connectors. the fixing plate.

The fitting of the orientation means of the head with the complementary orientation means of the fixing plate is also carried out quickly and easily. Well, said orientation means are arranged in a highly visible way for the operator during assembly. To fit, simply position the fixing plate on the heads of the adjustable connectors, and rotate them slightly until the fit is produced. Once fitted, the orientable connectors remain oriented without the possibility of turning in the specific orientation position for the application and/or design in question, without further checking and/or readjustment being required by the operator.

Finally, the fixing plate is fixed to the receiving block, leaving each one of the adjustable connectors in its corresponding orientation position. For greater simplicity and ease of assembly, fixing means are preferably used that comprise the use of one or more fixing screws, which work in collaboration with the fixing plate and the receiving block.

To further facilitate the work of the operator, step b2) preferably comprises the following step:

b2.1) fitting a protruding element of the orientation means into an orientation hole of the complementary orientation means, without making it possible to rotate said orientable connector once it has been fitted.

The procedure has been described for assembling a connection device comprising at least one orientable connector. For connection devices with more orientable connectors, simply repeat step a) for the rest of the orientable connectors, before proceeding to step b). The rest of steps b1), b2) b3) and b2.1) are carried out in the same way for each of the orientable connectors.

Brief description of the drawings

Next, a series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that are expressly related to various embodiments of the same that are presented as non-limiting examples thereof, is described very briefly.

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the connection device of the present invention, according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 represents an exploded view of the connection device of figure 1.

Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the receiving block of the connection device of figure 1.

Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the orientable connector of the present invention.

Figure 5 represents a side view of the orientable connector of figure 4.

Figure 6 represents a top plan view of the orientable connector of figure 4.

Figure 7 represents a bottom plan view of the orientable connector of figure 4.

Figure 8 represents a partially sectioned side view of the orientable connector of figure 4.

Figure 9 represents a perspective view of the fixing plate of the connection device of figure 1. Figure 10 represents a top plan view of the fixing plate of figure 9.

Figure 11 represents a perspective view of the connection device of the present invention, according to a second embodiment.

Figure 12 represents a perspective view of the connection device of the present invention, according to a third embodiment.

Figure 13 represents an exploded view of the connection device of figure 12.

Figure 14 represents a perspective view of the non-orientable connector of figure 12.

Figure 15 represents a side view of the non-orientable connector of figure 14.

Figure 16 represents a partially sectioned side view of the non-orientable connector of figure 14.

Figure 17 represents a perspective view of the fixing plate of the connection device of figure 12. Figure 18 represents a top plan view of the fixing plate of figure 17.

Figure 19 represents a perspective view of the connection device of the present invention, according to a fourth embodiment.

Figure 20 represents a perspective view of the auxiliary connector of figure 19.

Figure 21 represents a side view of the auxiliary connector of figure 20.

Figure 22 represents a partially sectioned side view of the auxiliary connector of figure 20.

Figure 23 represents a cross section of the receiving block according to the section line A-A of figure 19. Figure 24 represents a perspective view of the fixing plate of the connection device, according to a particular case.

Figure 25 represents an exploded view of the connection device of the present invention, according to a fifth embodiment.

Figure 26 represents an exploded view of the connection device of the present invention, according to a sixth embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1 and 2 respectively represent a perspective view and an exploded view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention, according to a first embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or switchboard (2) with two channels, to which four adjustable connectors (3) are connected in a specific orientation position (P3) for each of them.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the connection device (1) comprises:

• a receiving block (2) that has four connection holes (21), Figure 3;

• Four adjustable hydraulic connectors (3), each of which has an inlet and/or outlet section (31), and a connection end (32) configured to be inserted into the corresponding connection hole (21), in order to to establish a hydraulic communication between the receiver block (2) and the orientable connector (3); Y

• a fixing plate (4), preferably metallic, configured to fix the adjustable connector (3) to the receiving block (2).

Each adjustable connector (3) comprises a head (33) provided with orientation means (34), arranged between the inlet and/or outlet section (31) and the connection end (32) and configured to establish hydraulic communication between both (31, 32). Likewise, the fixing plate (4) comprises complementary orientation means (44) configured to fit with the orientation means (34) of the head (33) to set an orientation position (P3) of the orientable connector (3), the head (33) being arranged between the fixing plate (4) and the receiving block (2).

Thus, the orientation means (34) of the head (33), in collaboration with the complementary orientation means (44) of the fixing plate (4), determine the departure angle or orientation of the adjustable connector (3). . According to the present example, the outlet of the orientable connectors (3) is carried out perpendicular to the receiving block (2) with respect to the front face (0°) and the rear face thereof (180°). Therefore, in this case, the orientable connectors (3) can fit in symmetrical positions of 0° and 180°.

The fixing means that allow fixing the fixing plate (4) to the receiving block (2), comprise the use of a fixing screw (5), which works in collaboration with the fixing plate (4) and the receiving block ( 2). For this, the receiving block (2) comprises a threaded hole (22), Figure 3, configured to allow the threading of a first end (51) of the fixing screw (5), while the fixing plate (4) comprises a through hole (41) configured to allow the passage of the first end (51) of the fixing screw (5) and retain a second end (52) of said fixing screw (5), said second end (52) being the head of the screw.

Once the adjustable connectors (3) have been connected to the receiver block (2), the orientation means (34) of the head (33) have been fitted with the complementary orientation means (44) of the fixing plate (4), and fixed said fixing plate (4) to the receiving block (2) by means of the fixing screw (5), the heads (33) of said connectors (3) are firmly attached between the fixing plate (4) and the receiving block ( 2), keeping the four orientable connectors (3) in their specific orientation position (P3).

Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the receiving block (2) of the connection device (1) of Figure 1. It shows in greater detail the four connection holes (21) configured to receive, each of them, a connection end (32) of an adjustable connector (3), and the threaded hole (22) that allows fixing the fixing plate (4) to the receiving block (2).

As can be seen in Figures 4 - 7, the orientable connector (3) for vehicle hydraulic system connection devices of the present invention comprises an inlet and/or outlet section (31) and a connection end (32).

Said orientable connector (3) comprises a head (33) provided with orientation means (34), arranged between the inlet and/or outlet section (31) and the connection end (32), and configured to establish a hydraulic communication between the two (31, 32). According to the present example, the head (33) has a substantially cube-shaped configuration.

The head (33) comprises:

• a flat support face (331) from which the connection end (32) extends perpendicularly; Y

• a flat orientation face (332), opposite the flat support face (331), on which the orientation means (34) are located.

The orientation means (34) comprise a projecting element (341), which has a mixed configuration between a quadrangular prism and a cylinder, with two flat side walls (342) arranged between two curved side walls (343).

The connection end (32) of the orientable connector (3) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the input and/or output section (31).

The connection end (32) comprises one or more circular grooves (321) concentric to its axial axis, configured to house rubber O-rings, not illustrated, configured to ensure the tightness and/or sealing of the connection. from the adjustable connector (3) to the receiver block (2).

As can be seen in Figure 8, the orientable connector (3) includes internal conduits (35) enabled for the circulation of a fluid, which allow a hydraulic communication to be established between the inlet and/or outlet section (31) and the mouth of input and/or output (36) arranged at the connection end (32).

As can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, the fixing plate (4) comprises complementary orientation means (44) configured to engage with the orientation means (34) of the head (33) to fix an orientation position (P3 ) of the orientable connector (3).

According to the present example of embodiment, the complementary orientation means (44) comprise four orientation holes (441) in which the protruding element (341) of the corresponding orientable connector (3) fits in each one of them. orientation position (P3) of the same, without allowing the rotation of said orientable connector (3) once fitted. The outer contour of the projection element (341) matches the inner contour of the orientation hole (441) so that they fit properly and snugly to maintain the orientation position (P3).

The fixing plate (4) comprises a through hole (41) configured to allow the passage of the first end (51) of the fixing screw (5) and retain the second end or head (52) of said fixing screw (5). .

Figure 11 represents a perspective view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention, according to a second embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or switchboard (2) of a channel, to which two adjustable connectors (3) are connected in a specific orientation position (P3) for each of them.

As can be seen, the fixing plate (4) has a geometry and/or construction configuration specially adapted to be used with two orientable connectors (3), presenting a smaller size and optimized to occupy as little space as possible in the device. connection (1). Since the fixing plate (4) is traversed perpendicularly by the fixing screw (5) and by at least one projecting element (34), in this case two, they block and/or prevent any rotation movement of both the plate itself fixing plate (4) and the adjustable connectors (3), once fixed to the support block (2).

Figures 12 and 13 respectively represent a perspective view and an exploded view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention, according to a third embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or switchboard (2) with two channels, to which two adjustable connectors (3) are connected in a specific orientation position (P3) for each of them, and two connectors without orientation (6) that they come out vertically from said receiving block (2).

As can be seen in Figures 14 and 15, the connector without orientation (6) comprises an input and/or output section (61) and a connection end (62) configured to be inserted into the corresponding connection hole (21) of the receiver block (2), in order to establish a hydraulic communication between the receiver block (2) and the connector without orientation (6).

Additionally, the connector without orientation (6) comprises a perimeter rim (63) that protrudes perpendicularly from the connector without orientation (6) around it, arranged between the input and/or output section (61) and the connection end (62). ).

The perimeter rim (63) is arranged just below the fixing plate (4) once the connectors (3, 6) are connected to the receiver block (2) and the fixing plate (4) is fixed to it. That is to say, also arranged between the fixing plate (4) and the receiving block (2). In this way, the perimeter rim (63) prevents the connector without orientation (6) from being disconnected and/or loosened from the receiving block (2) in conditions of use. Likewise, the surface of the fixing plate (4) is configured to press against the perimeter rim (63) to keep the connector without orientation (6) firmly attached to the receiving block (2).

The connection end (62) of the connector without orientation (6) is in an aligned arrangement with respect to the input and/or output section (61).

The connection end (62) comprises one or more circular grooves (621) concentric to its axial axis, configured to house rubber O-rings, not illustrated, configured to ensure the tightness and/or sealing of the connection. from the connector without orientation (6) to the receiving block (2).

As can be seen in Figure 16, the connector without orientation (6) comprises internal conduits (65) enabled for the circulation of a fluid, which allow establishing a hydraulic communication between the inlet and/or outlet section (61) and the mouth input and/or output (66) arranged at the connection end (62).

As can be seen in Figures 17 and 18, the fixing plate (4) comprises two openings (42) each configured to receive a connector without orientation (6). The diameter of said openings (42) is smaller than the diameter of the perimeter rim (63) of the connector without orientation (6), in order to guarantee its correct fastening.

The openings (42) facilitate the assembly of the fixing plate (4), allowing both the fitting of the orientation means (34, 44) and the fixing of the perimeter rim (63) once the connectors (3, 6) are connected. to the receiving block (2).

Figure 19 represents a perspective view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention, according to a fourth embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or switchboard (2) with three channels, to which two adjustable connectors (3) are connected in a specific orientation position (P3) for each of them, two connectors without orientation (6) that come out vertically from said receiver block (2), and two auxiliary connectors (7).

In this case, the connection device (1) is complemented by two auxiliary connectors (7) that are connected from the front to the receiver block (2), being retained there by means of a retention element (8).

As can be seen in Figures 20 and 21, the auxiliary connector (7) for connection devices for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention comprises an input and/or output section (71) and a connection end (72).

The auxiliary connector (7) comprises a head (73) arranged between the input and/or output section (71) and the connection end (72), configured to establish hydraulic communication between the two (71, 72). According to the present example, the head (73) has a substantially cube-shaped configuration.

The head (73) comprises a flat bearing face (731) from which the connection end (72) extends perpendicularly, and a flat face (732) opposite the flat bearing face (731).

The connection end (72) of the auxiliary connector (7) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the input and/or output section (71).

The connection end (72) comprises one or more circular grooves (721) concentric to its axial axis, configured to house rubber O-rings, not illustrated, configured to ensure the tightness and/or sealing of the connection. from the auxiliary connector (7) to the receiver block (2).

The connection end (72) also comprises a circular groove (722) concentric to the axial axis configured to partially house the retention element (8), Figure 23.

As can be seen in Figure 22, the auxiliary connector (7) comprises internal conduits (75) enabled for the circulation of a fluid, which allow a hydraulic communication to be established between the inlet and/or outlet section (71) and the mouth of input and/or output (76) arranged at the connection end (72).

As can be seen in Figure 23, the circular groove (722) is configured to partially house the retention element (8), while another part of said retention element (8) is housed in a connector hole (23 ) of the receiver block (2). Therefore, the retention element (8) keeps the auxiliary connector (7) together with the receiver block (3) once connected.

Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the fixing plate (4) of the connection device (1), according to a particular case. Specifically, arranging the complementary orientation means (44) for orientable connectors (3) at one end of the fixing plate (4), and the openings (42) for connectors without orientation (6) at the other end, leaving the through hole (41) in the middle.

Figure 25 shows an exploded view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention, according to a fifth embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or switchboard (2) with two channels, to which four adjustable connectors (3) are connected in a specific orientation position (P3) for each of them. In which two fixing screws (5) are also used to fix the fixing plate (4) to the receiving block (2).

According to the present embodiment, the head (33) of each orientable connector (3) additionally comprises a curved lateral face (333) arranged between the flat support face (331) and the flat orientation face (332). This makes it possible to generate a greater space between the heads (33) so that the fixing screws (5) fit.

Figure 26 shows an exploded view of the connection device (1) for vehicle hydraulic systems of the present invention, according to a sixth embodiment. In this case, showing a receiver block or switchboard (2) with two channels, to which four adjustable connectors (3) are connected in a specific orientation position (P3) for each of them. In which two fixing screws (5) are also used to fix the fixing plate (4) to the receiving block (2).

According to the present embodiment, the head (33) of each orientable connector (3) has a substantially hexagonal shape, or at least one chamfered side face (334), in order to generate a greater space between the heads (33). so that the fixing screws (5) fit.

For all the embodiments of the connection device (1) described above, the assembly procedure of the present invention has at least the following steps in common:

a) insert the connection end (32) of an orientable connector (3) into a connection hole (21) of the receiver block (2) to establish hydraulic communication between the receiver block (2) and the orientable connector (3) ;

a1) repeat step a) for the rest of the adjustable connectors (3); Y

b) fix the adjustable connectors (3) to the receiver block (2) by means of the fixing plate (4).

Where stage b) comprises the following stages:

b1) arranging the heads (33) of the orientable connectors (3) between the fixing plate (4) and the receiving block (2);

b2) engaging the orientation means (34) of the heads (33) with the complementary orientation means (44) of the fixing plate (4) to establish an orientation position (P3) of each adjustable connector (3); Y

b3) fix the fixing plate (4) to the receiver block (2) leaving the adjustable connectors (3) in the orientation position (P3).

And where stage b2) comprises the following stage:

b2.1) fit each protruding element (341) of the orientation means (34) in an orientation hole (441) of the complementary orientation means (44), without allowing the rotation of said orientable connectors (3) once embedded.

Claims (1)

1- Adjustable connector for vehicle hydraulic system connection devices, comprising an input and/or output section (31) and a connection end (32), where said connector (3) comprises a head (33) provided with orientation means (34), arranged between the inlet and/or outlet section (31) and the connection end (32), and configured to establish hydraulic communication between the two (31, 32); where the head (33) comprises: • a flat support face (331) from which the connection end (32) extends perpendicularly, and • a flat orientation face (332), opposite the flat support face (331), on which are located. the orientation means (34); said connector (3) characterized in that the orientation means (34) comprise a protruding element (341), where said protruding element (341) adopts the following constructive configurations: - a prismatic configuration with a triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal outline; either - an elliptical configuration; either - A mixed configuration between a quadrangular prism and a cylinder, with two flat side walls (342) arranged between two curved side walls (343). 2- Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the head (33) comprises: • at least one curved (333) or chamfered (334) lateral face arranged between the flat bearing face (331) and the flat orientation face (332). 3- Connector according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the connection end (32) is arranged perpendicular to the input and/or output section (31). 4- Connection device for vehicle hydraulic systems, comprising: • at least one orientable connector (3) according to claim 1; • a receiving block (2) presenting one or more connection holes (21); • the connection end (32) of the orientable connector (3) being configured to be inserted into a connection hole (21) to establish a hydraulic communication between the receiver block (2) and the orientable connector (3); Y • a fixing plate (4) configured to fix the orientable connector (3) to the receiving block (2); where the fixing plate (4) comprises complementary orientation means (44) configured to engage with the orientation means (34) of the head (33) of the orientable connector (3) to set an orientation position (P3) of the connector orientable (3), the head (33) of the orientable connector (3) being arranged between the fixing plate (4) and the receiving block (2). 5- Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the head (33) comprises: • at least one curved (333) or chamfered (334) lateral face arranged between the flat bearing face (331) and the flat orientation face (332). 6- Device according to any of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the complementary orientation means (44) comprise an orientation hole (441), where the projecting element (341) is configured to fit into the orientation hole ( 441) in the orientation position (P3) of the orientable connector (3), without allowing the rotation of said orientable connector (3) once fitted. 7- Device according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the connection end (32) is arranged perpendicular to the input and/or output section (31). 8- Device according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the receiving block (2) comprises one or more threaded holes (22) each configured to allow the threading of a first end (51) of a screw. fixation (5); and because the fixing plate (4) comprises one or more through holes (41) each configured to allow the passage of the first end (51) of a fixing screw (5) and retain a second end (52). of said fixing screw (5). Device according to any of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the fixing plate (4) comprises at least one opening (42) configured to receive a connector without orientation (6). 10- Device according to any of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the receiver block (2) is a control unit of an ABS anti-lock wheel system or a control unit of a vehicle stability control system. 11- Assembly procedure for a connection device according to any of claims 4 to 10, comprising the steps of: a) insert the connection end (32) of the orientable connector (3) into a connection hole (21) of the receiver block (2) to establish hydraulic communication between the receiver block (2) and the orientable connector (3); and b) fix the adjustable connector (3) to the receiver block (2) by means of the fixing plate (4); said procedure characterized in that stage b) comprises the following stages: b1) arrange the head (33) of the orientable connector (3) between the fixing plate (4) and the receiving block (2); b2) engage the orientation means (34) of the head (33) with the complementary orientation means (44) of the fixing plate (4) to establish an orientation position (P3) of the orientable connector (3); Y b3) fix the fixing plate (4) to the receiver block (2) leaving the adjustable connector (3) in the orientation position (P3). 12- Assembly procedure according to claim 11, characterized in that stage b2) comprises the following stage: b2.1) fit a protruding element (341) of the orientation means (34) in an orientation hole (441) of the complementary orientation means (44), without allowing the rotation of said orientable connector (3) once embedded